Come and share in the rhythmic dances of West Africa, Congo, Cuba, Haiti and Brazil every Tuesday night at Monroe Hall. Victoria Strowbridge has been teaching dance and music from the African diaspora for 35 years. She studies dances from the Congo, West Africa, Haiti, Cuba, the Caribbean and Brazil. Her teachers include, among others, such greats as Babatunde Olatunji, Malanga Casque-Lourd, Yousouff Kambassa, Blanch Brown, Roseangela Silvestre, and Wilfred Mark. From a young age, Victoria has studied many different dance styles from Jazz to ballet. She was on staff at Everybody's Creative Arts Center in Oakland before student teaching at Sonoma State University. In 1984, after graduating from SSU, Victoria was hired by the American Multicultural Department where she developed an African music and dance program that sustained itself for seven years. Victoria continues to teach in Sonoma County and throughout the country.
Victoria brings a spiritual quality to her classes. Early on, Victoria realized that the ceremonies of Brazil and Nigeria are not unlike the nature based teachings given to her by her father as they walked in the woods. African based traditions honor the elements of earth, water, fire and air through music, dance, story and song. Their deities represent the elements in nature. Applying her understanding of these traditions to her dance classes, Victoria encourages students to let go of everything that's happening outside the class, leaving all worries and concerns of daily life aside. She promotes connectedness and comradeship among all in the room and helps build self confidence through sharing the joy of dance. With an open heart and love of life, Victoria invites everyone to receive the personal healing the music and dance have to offer. Many evenings feature guest teachers and there is always live drumming. You will receive a weeks worth of exercise in one evening while experiencing the joy of these dances.
Everyone is welcomed. Wear comfortable loose clothing. 
WHEN: Every Tuesday Evening
TIME: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
COST: $13
Check our calendar for any special guests for more information, please vstrowbridge [at] hotmail [dot] com (e-mail) Victoria Strowbridge.